Wayne Rooney Turned Down Private Hotel Rooms And First-Class Flights With DC United

Wayne Rooney is undoubtedly one of the biggest names ever to play in MLS but the D.C United man doesn't exactly live up to the 'superstar' tag in his new surroundings.

Rooney, who is the all-time top scorer for both Manchester United and England, was offered privileges such as private hotel rooms and first-class fights after making the switch to the United States capital as a designated player.

But the 33-year old rejected the perks because he wanted to merely be seen and treated as another member of the squad.

"If you are going to be part of the team, you have to be part of the team. All in and do the same things," Rooney said in an interview with Men In Blazers.

"I don't want special treatment - I wanted to be treated the same as the players. I'm part of this team."

Although he'll admit he's done some stupid things in the past, Rooney doesn't come across as someone who is egocentric and in it for himself. And he believes his gesture has helped him settle in at United and build up an immediate rapport with his colleagues.

"It's not rocket science - if you can go and form relationships with the players and speak to them," the former Everton man said.

"I know a lot of players who come here - big players in other countries - they haven't attempted to form those relationships or to buy into what the team are doing. I think it is important. You do that, and you can have a big impact on the team."

Saying Rooney has made a big impact would be downplaying his contribution.

With United lurched at the very foot of the Eastern Conference table after winning just three games out of 17 prior to his arrival, Rooney has fired on all cylinders to the point where they have now made the play-offs a few months on.

He's been a complete revelation across the pond, having been involved in 18 goals (12 goals and six assists) in 19 games to help the team climb up the table.

The turnaround has already been monumental but just imagine if DC go all the way and win the MLS cup? It could be up there with some of Rooney's biggest achievements in the game.

Topics: Football News, Football, MLS, England, Everton, D.C United, Wayne Rooney

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@https://twitter.com/JoshLawless_